A Companion to Early Twentieth-Century Britain [Paperback]

This Companion brings together 32 new essays by leading historians to provide a reassessment of British history in the early twentieth century. The contributors present lucid introductions to the literature and debates on major aspects of the political, social and economic history of Britain between 1900 and 1939.

• Examines controversial issues over the social impact of the First World War, especially on women
• Provides substantial coverage of changes in Wales, Scotland and Ireland as well as in England
• Includes a substantial bibliography, which will be a valuable guide to secondary sources

List of Contributors x

Introduction xv

Part I British Political Life

1 The Conservative Party, 1900–1939: From Crisis to Ascendancy 3
Philip Williamson

2 The Liberal Party, 1900–1939: Summit and Descent 23
Michael Bentley

3 The Politics of the Labour Movement, 1900–1939 38
Duncan Tanner

4 The Politics of National Efficiency and of War, 1900–1918 56
G. R. Searle

5 Scottish Issues in British Politics, 1900–1939 72
I. G. C. Hutchison

6 Wales and British Politics, 1900–1939 87
R. Merfyn Jones

7 Ireland and British Politics, 1900–1939 102
D. George Boyce

8 Women and Politics, 1900–1939 118
Christine Collette

Part II Britain and the World

9 Immigrants, Sojourners and Refugees: Minority Groups in Britain, 1900&al+